High-Protein Chocolate Zucchini Smoothie

This Zucchini Smoothie tastes like creamy chocolate milk but it is loaded with protein, vitamin C, antioxidants, potassium, and more! The raw zucchini in this smoothie gives the smoothie the perfect silky smooth consistency. Raw cacao, an incredible superfood, gives the smoothie a rich chocolatey taste while providing essential vitamins and minerals! This protein-packed smoothie is a great post-workout smoothie, breakfast drink, or meal replacement! (This recipe is dairy-free, vegan, and gluten-free)

If you’re looking for more delicious smoothies with zucchini and loaded with protein, you’ll have to check out our Tropical Spirulina Smoothie next! For an energizing protein smoothie, check out our Coffee Smoothie.

This Chocolate Zucchini Smoothie tastes like dessert! The flavor reminds me of chocolate milk, but better! This smoothie is loaded will all the best superfoods and will leaving you feeling amazing!

You’ll Love This Chocolate Zucchini Smoothie! It’s:

• Loaded with the best ingredients: Every ingredient in the smoothie is nutrient-dense and offers health benefits!
• Hydrating and Filling: Cucumber, cacao, and zucchini are excellent sources of electrolytes! This drink will keep you hydrated and feeling full. Dates and almonds are high in dietary fiber, which helps you feel full longer.
• Energizing: Maca and Cacao powder help to improve energy levels and boost mood!
• Protein-Packed: Not only does this smoothie include protein-rich ingredients, but you can add your favorite protein powder to enhance the smoothie further!
• Vegan, Refined Sugar-Free, and Naturally Gluten-Free: This is a suitable smoothie for any diet type. You can easily customize the recipe. Make sure to use vegan and gluten-free protein powder.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• Zucchini: You can use frozen or unfrozen zucchini. The zucchini helps thicken the smoothie and create a creamy consistency.
• Cacao Powder: Raw cacao powder offers a ton of nutrients, that help lower blood pressure, improve blood flow, improve gut health, and reduce inflammation. . Make sure to use cacao and not cocoa powder (which is processed and lacks nutrients)
• Persian Cucumber: Persian cucumbers, like all cucumbers, have high water content and are full of electrolytes. They are also smaller, sweeter, and crisper than other cucumbers, which makes them a perfect addition to this smoothie!
• Hemp seeds: Hemp seeds are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which help to improve heart health. When blended with liquid they break down easily and become super creamy.
• Almond butter: Use almond butter, peanut butter, or your favorite nut butter to give this smoothie a delicious nutty flavor that compliments the chocolate!  
• Maca powder: Adding maca powder is totally optional but highly recommended! It is an incredible superfood that helps to boost energy, mood, and libido.
• Medjool Dates: These sweet nuggets are filled with fiber and potassium, and help with iron absorption! They are incredibly sweet and perfect for replacing sugar!
• Non-dairy Milk: Use your favorite non-dairy milk. I like to use unsweetened almond milk. Oat milk is also a great option! Try making your own with our 5-Minute Homemade Oat Milk Recipe!
• Protein powder: Use Plant-based, gluten-free protein to keep this smoothie vegan and gluten-free.

There are so many great reasons why you should add zucchini to your diet. It is incredibly versatile! You can use it to replace pasta noodles like in this creamy vegan pasta, add it to baked goods like these blueberry zucchini muffins, or add them to your smoothies! Zucchini also offers a ton of nutrients!

Here are just a few Zucchini Benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants: contains high amounts of carotenoids, which help improve eye, skin, and heart health.
• Has omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, niacin, and vitamin C: All of which help to improve overall health.
• High in potassium: which can help to improve blood circulation and reduce high blood pressure.
• Low calorie and high in fiber: which means it helps you feel full for longer!

How To Make A Smoothie With Zucchini

1. Cut the zucchini into small rounds.
2. Add all the ingredients into a high-speed blender and blend until smooth, about 30-60 seconds. Adjust the consistency as desired by adding more liquid to thin the smoothie or more zucchini to thicken the smoothie.
3. Pour into your favorite glass and enjoy! Store any leftover smoothie in an airtight mason jar for up to 2 days.

How To Freeze Zucchini For Smoothies

Slice the zucchini into rounds. Place the zucchini on a parchment line baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once the zucchini is frozen, transfer the zucchini to an airtight container or freezer-safe storage bag. The zucchini will last in the freezer for up to three months.

Does zucchini have to be frozen to add to smoothies?

No, it does not. Zucchini can be added to a smoothie raw and unfrozen, raw and frozen, or steamed first then frozen. The choice is yours!

Can you add raw zucchini to smoothies?

Yes, you certainly can! Adding fresh or frozen raw zucchini to a smoothie adds a ton of nutrients, thickens the smoothie, and the taste is undetectable! Try using frozen zucchini instead of frozen banana in your next smoothie!